Arthritis

Arthritis is a short term inflammatory condition, and should not be confused with Arthrosis, which is when the condition has become chronic, then stabilised.

Arthritis can be cured through proper hoofcare, since it is originally caused by an incorrect distribution of weight on the effected joints.  If, however, in addition to the one‑sided strain on the tendons (as caused, for example, through poor conformation) the hoof's shock absorbing mechanism is disabled (through shoeing), the arthritis will continue to become worse.         

The wearing surfaces of the joints must be reshaped by by the action of movement.  Depending on the age of the horse, it will take about two years (with a smaller degree of misalignment, eventually less) until the conformation is corrected.

CONSEQUENT TREATMENT IS ESSENTIAL.

 In Dr. Strasser's hoof clinic, the change in alignment is initially begun with daily corrections (only small amounts each time), usually over a period of 2 - 3 months, depending on the degree of change.  Following this, the horse continues with weekly trimming, by a hoofcare specialist.

Once the surfaces of the joints have regained their physiological alignment and proper weight distribution, arthritic changes will no longer cause pain.  The horse can once again be worked, within limits, and a continuation of this ailment is prevented.

Copyright Dr. vet. med. H. Strasser
 
Trans.: Sabine Kell